Lima Beans
Heirloom Lima Beans: Farm-Tested for Exceptional Flavor and Yield
At Firefly Farm & Mercantile, we believe that the best lima beans aren't found in a catalog—they are discovered in the field. To ensure your garden success, we grow dozens of varieties right here on our farm in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. This rigorous trial process allows us to identify the absolute best-tasting and highest-producing lima beans that can handle our northern growing season. Once we find the "winners" on our farm, we then ask our dedicated network of professional growers to produce seed for us based on those specific, high-performance genetics.
The "Butter Bean" Experience: Creamy and Productive
Lima beans, affectionately known as "Butter Beans" for their creamy texture and nutty flavor, are a staple of the summer harvest. Our collection features both Bush and Pole Lima varieties that have been vetted for their ability to thrive in warm, sunny weather. Because we have personally trialed these seeds on our own land, we can guarantee that our non-GMO heirlooms—from large-seeded giants to productive small-seeded "butterpats"—offer the vigor and culinary quality that northern gardeners deserve.
Quick Lima Bean Growing Facts:
- Planting Window: Limas love the heat! Direct sow only after the soil has warmed to at least 65-70°F (typically late May or early June in Wisconsin).
- Vertical Support: Pole Lima varieties require a sturdy trellis or fence, often reaching 8-10 feet, while Bush varieties remain compact and self-supporting.
- Days to Maturity: Limas require a long season, typically 75–100 days. Starting with our farm-tested, early-maturing varieties is key for northern success.
- Hardiness Zones: Heat-loving; thrives in USDA Zones 3-9 during summer months.
- Expert Tip: To speed up germination in our Wisconsin soils, wait for a stretch of warm, dry weather before planting. Planting limas in cold, wet soil is the #1 reason for seed rot. Once they take off, they are remarkably drought-tolerant!
Explore our selection of farm-vetted heirloom lima beans below. Every order includes our expert sowing instructions to help you grow a gourmet, high-yield butter bean harvest.
